[Steve Myers] What do you think when you hear
the word disciple? > To me it’s all about love and kindness,
and kindness > I think your heart. Where’s your heart? [Steve] If I’m supposed to be a Christian,
how do I know if I’m really a true follower? > Oooh good question >> Everybody has their own journey > It all comes down to love, that’s what
John said you know. God is love. That’s the universal theme through all the
good books of the world. [Steve] If someone were to ask you what is
a Christian, how do you think you’d respond? > I would say a Christian is just somebody
who is a believer in Jesus Christ [Steve] If you are a believer in Jesus Christ,
does that automatically make you a disciple? What exactly is a true disciple anyway? A couple of billion people on the planet claim
to be Christian but their beliefs, doctrines and practices are all very different. What about you? Different denominations, groups, and religious
branches can be confusing. But did you know there is a way to determine
if you are a real follower? Jesus Himself actually gave the standard when
it comes to those who say they believe. Do you know what He actually taught? Stay tuned to this edition of Beyond Today
as we help you answer the question, “Am I a true disciple?” What do you think when you hear the word disciple? You might imagine a thoughtful philosophical
looking person dressed in flowing robes walking around with his hand holding his chin contemplating
the meaning of some deep aspect of life. Or you might think of someone who frantically
follows a teacher, a bit of a religious freak willing to do just about anything for the
master. What does it really mean to be a true disciple
of Jesus Christ? I went out on the street to ask a few people
what they thought. How would I know if I’m a real disciple? > I don’t think anyone is like, a real disciple. >> How you live your life and treat people
would be important to me. > Trying to go to church each week and reading
the Bible and trying to follow it. >> I think the one thing you can look at is
the Bible. That’s your roadmap to be a true follower
so by reading and staying in the word, praying. [Steve] Lots of varied answers but that’s
an important point. What about the Bible? Do you consider the Bible the roadmap for
life? Many religious people think otherwise. Some denominations emphasize their teaching
over biblical doctrine. What about you? Is the Bible your inspired guidebook or just
another book? A lot of people wonder if the Bible still
matters today. Does it still apply today? If they ask you that what would you tell them? > I’m not a student of the Bible but what
I know about the Bible I would say yeah the stories are good stories, you don’t have
to take them literally but you can. It’s an individual thing. >> I think it applies but as our world evolves
I think our translation of the Bible has to evolve a little bit. [Steve] Does the Bible really apply or not? What would you tell them? > It definitely applies. Every story in the Bible, every scripture
in the Bible is giving us the facts of life. [Steve] Many wonder if the Bible really applies
today. What do you think you would say about that? > I’m sure it does because I believe in
it. [Steve] Do you think that it’s important
that people follow what’s written in the Bible? > It depends on the people; you know it’s
up to the person. Here’s the challenge. If you believe the Bible is the inspired word
of God it doesn’t depend on the person. We need to depend on God. It’s not an individual choice it’s guidance
from God Himself. 2 Timothy 3:16 puts it this way, “All Scripture
is God-breathed given by divine inspiration and is profitable for instruction, for conviction
of sin, for correction of error and restoration to obedience, for training in righteousness
learning to live in conformity to God’s will, both publicly and privately, behaving
honorably with personal integrity and moral courage” (AMP). All who claim to be Christian must hold the
Bible as their ultimate guide for what they believe and what they do. That means the Bible itself is far above man’s
authority, far above church tradition, and far above our own opinions. Nothing that opposes God’s Word should to
sway our actions to control our thinking. Why? Because the Bible is a living book. “For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged
sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires”
(Hebrews 4:12). The wisdom, values and truths of the Bible
are timeless and the Bible is full of insight that’s just as true today as when it was
written. Human nature hasn’t changed over time. The message of the Bible helps us discover
significance and meaning and its meaning today. It explains how you can please your Creator
and fulfill His will for your life. You know it doesn’t stop there. God’s Word explains His plan and purpose
and it gives us a roadmap for the future as well. The Bible clearly reveals truth and all true
Christians should believe it with all their hearts. When the Bible commands us to do something
we better make sure we do it. For example, we’re told in the Word of God
“Do not commit adultery” (Matthew 5:27-30) and that we are to “flee sexual immorality”
(1 Corinthians 6:18). The Bible must be our final authority for
what we do so we are compelled to live in purity. Loyalty to Scripture keeps us from being “tossed
back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching” (Ephesians
4:14). Following the Bible is what Christians do
and it makes sense because the Word of God “is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens”
(Psalm 119:89). So the inspired Word of God must be our guide. Unfortunately much of religion really doesn’t
follow Scripture. Why are there all these different religions
and denominations that claim they’re Christian? > That just drives me crazy. >> It comes down to you have different beliefs
in parts of the Bible where you get different types of Christians I guess or different churches
and that kind stuff. [Steve] But that presents a challenge. Can we pick and choose what parts of the Bible
we want to believe and obey or do we have a God who has supreme authority, supreme control
and power over all that has happened, is happening, and will happen in the future? 2 Chronicles 20:6 says it this way “O Lord,
God of our fathers, are you not God in heaven? You rule over all the kingdoms of the nations. In your hand are power and might, so that
none is able to withstand you.” So we get back to our original question. What is a real disciple of Jesus Christ? What is it that identifies a person as Christian? What does mean to be a Christian? Is there anything that comes to mind with
that or what exactly is a Christian anyway? > I think ultimately it’s your relationship
with God that matters, not what religion you are. >> As humans we make up different labels like
Catholic, Episcopalian, Christian, Baptist, whatever, etc. but if you are a believer and
you’ve given your life to Christ, then you are in His Church. > You have to live your life everyday as you’d
want to be treated so I treat someone like that. Belief in God. >> A lot of people say they’re Christians
but that kind of scares me. [Steve] What is a Christian? > I would say that it’s one who believes
that there’s a higher being. >> You see so many different phases of what
people say Christianity is supposed to be but then they say what it is but they don’t
act like what it is. > Everyone has their own opinion. [Steve] It’s true! It seems that everyone does have their own
opinion. But when it comes to being a true Christian
the critical factor is God’s opinion and that opinion is found in His Word the Bible. Jesus Himself said a disciple is not above
his teacher but everyone who is perfectly trained will be like his teacher. (Luke 6:40) The New Living Translation puts
it this way: “Students are not greater than their teacher. But the student who is fully trained will
become like the teacher.” That begins to give insight into the sense
of what it means to be a disciple of Jesus Christ. Look up that word in a Greek lexicon. You’ll find it means a learner or a pupil
(Thayer’s Greek Lexicon). That’s why the word for disciple is sometimes
translated a student. Vine’s Expository Dictionary of the New
Testament Words states that the word disciple “denotes ‘one who follows one’s teaching’…” No wonder Jesus said so often follow me. That’s what good students do, they imitate
their teachers. So if we claim to be a Christian we must follow
His word as a way of life. Then we can be true disciples. That is, faithful Christians. The Apostle Paul urges us all to “imitate
me, just as I also imitate Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1). What is a Disciple? Yes, a follower of Jesus. Yes, a learner, a student of Christ. But there’s more. Vines goes on to tell us that a disciple was
“not only a pupil, but an adherent…spoken of as imitators of their teacher.” (Vines) Disciples do not simply acquire knowledge
from their teacher. Instead they learn to be like him. They act like him. They live like Him. They think like him. A true disciple is completely devoted to God
and they follow the example of Jesus Christ. “For to this you were called, because Christ
also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps” (1 Peter
2:21 NKJV). Peter said that. He knew because like all of Jesus’ disciples,
they learned directly from Him as they lived with Him for more than 3 years. Jesus taught them by His example. He instructed them. They asked Him questions. They asked about scripture, about what He
meant by what He said, about how to live, about their failures, and about God’s great
plan. If we claim to be a true disciple we look
to what Jesus taught and the way He lived and then we match our life and practice to
His. Our goal must be to obey everything God asks,
no matter how hard it may seem. Many wonder about the fact. Does God have expectations for us as His people? Are there are requirements for Christians? > I think basically being true to yourself,
being who you are, being honest. These are just normal requirements as a human
being so I think that basically those are just the basic requirements. [Steve] Remember a true disciple is not only
a learner or a follower of Jesus; but also an adherent to His teachings. That means there are those who claim to be
Christian but are not. Jesus said “Many will say to Me in that
day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name,
and done many wonders in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never
knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’” (Matthew 7:20-23). We must be absolutely devoted to God and His
teachings. Being true to yourself only counts when we
adhere to the truth and example of Jesus Christ. When we are loyal and we’re dedicated to
Him. That’s what counts. So we must ask, “What was Jesus’ example?” His example no doubt involved compassion and
love for others. But He also taught obedience. We must obey the commandments of God. Christ said “Whoever therefore breaks one
of the least of these commandments, and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom
of heaven; but whoever does and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of
heaven” (Matthew 5:19). And then again in John 14:15 “If you love
Me, keep My commandments.” Honest Christians have to answer the question. Am I truly following the example of Jesus
Christ and obeying His commandments? Christ’s example included worshipping God
on the Sabbath day from sunset Friday to sunset Saturday and worshipping on the annual biblical
Holy Days. Do you? Christians will understand His teachings and
Jesus’ way of life and they’ll strive to live “by every word of God” (Luke 4:4). [Steve] Are there any other expectations if
I’m going to be a Christian? Do I need to do other things, other requirements
maybe that God has in mind for me? > Trust in Him, believe in Him, be baptized. That’s it. >> No easy task, that’s the goal though
and if you do that well everything else falls into place. > And then if you believe and ask God to help
you, He will by giving insight, you have to pray for insight. [Steve] God will help us and He promises to
give us insight. Especially as we strive to follow Him. God does have expectations for His people. To be a true disciple of Jesus Christ we must
learn from Him and live His way. That is a big contrast to what most may think
when it comes to becoming a Christian, being a godly disciple. [Steve] How do I become a Christian? > If somebody really wants to be, I don’t
know how I would advise them. I would say probably start with talking to
a Church >> Pray the sinner's’ prayer > Get into a church that you enjoy and just
go from there >>Well I am a Christian but I don’t go to
church on a regular basis > If you’ve accepted Jesus Christ into your
heart you could consider yourself a true follower. [Steve] How do you become a Christian? > Try to pick out a church of your choice
and find somebody that’s religious and talk to them. >> Find a church that would fit their need. There’s no right church, no wrong church
but find something that would follow your beliefs or your lifestyle maybe. [Steve] To be a true Christian a person must
change. They must really change. [Acts 2:37-39] Christians must repent and
walk a different way of life and after repentance a Christian must also be baptized by being
immersed in water by a minister of Jesus Christ. Jesus clearly taught that to claim to be a
real disciple and not truly follow Him? That’s hypocritical. It’s not about praying a special prayer
or simply accepting Jesus into your heart. It’s not about finding a church that fits
your lifestyle. It’s about changing your lifestyle to fit
in with God’s expectations. The Bible calls it conversion. The process of change, of surrendering your
life and turning it over to God. True disciples follow Christ’ teachings
with a repentant attitude and they make changes to imitate Him on a brand new path of overcoming
sin. You see, it’s not about the church of your
choice. You cannot be a Christian a real disciple
unless the Spirit of God is in you. If you believe what the Bible says that only
happens one way. God’s Spirit is imparted by the laying on
of hands (Acts 8:17-18). So where does “being true to yourself”
and “being who you are” lead? It only leads to problems and sin. Jesus said, “I am the way, and the truth,
and the life” (John 14:6). It’s not our own disordered life, our wrong
desires, our mixed up past that determines who we are and how we should live. He is the truth, He is the way. We can’t be true to ourselves until we derive
our identity, until we derive our purpose and our destiny from God Father through Jesus
Christ. Now that changes everything. By repentance by baptism and receiving of
God’s Holy Spirit, a follower of Christ is then able to understand spiritual truth. The truths of God and His Word. Do you think it’s possible then to say “I’m
a Christian” when in reality I’m really not? > I think so. Because I think a lot of times being a Christian
to people is just checking a box. [Steve] What is expected of a Christian then? > I think expected is to live differently. >> The Holy spirit guides you and so I think
that’s a huge thing and the Bible definitely lets you know when you read something if you’re
not following His word then that will be an indication the Holy Spirit will prick your
spirit to let you know that maybe you need to change something. [Steve] It’s true. We can’t just check a box and say I’m
Christian. Being a disciple is so much more than just
going through the motions. Notice what Jesus Himself said in John 8:31,
“If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed.’” The phrase “you are my disciples indeed”
implies there are disciples who are not truly disciples. In other words there are real and unreal disciples. A true disciple is the same as a true Christian
or a true believer. There are authentic and they’re counterfeit
disciples. There’s an outward appearance and an inward
reality that goes right to our core. The hard question is am I a true disciple? Jesus said that we must “abide in my Word.” The word abide means simply to stay or remain,
to stick with it. Do I follow the teaching and example of Christ? I must abide in that Word and never leave
it. Another way to say it is: Do I live the same
way of life as Jesus did? 1 John 2:6 says, “He who says he abides
in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked.” Another translation says it this way, “Those
who claim to belong to Him must live just as Jesus did.” (NIRV) That means if I am a real Christian it’s
more than just being a believer. I have to do what Jesus did. When did he worship? How did He worship? How did He treat others? What did He eat? How did he act? Our behavior must match His. Christ said “Hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy about you, saying:
‘These people draw near to Me with their mouth, and honor Me with their lips, but their
heart is far from Me. And in vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines
the commandments of men’ ” (Matthew 15:7-9). Jesus challenges every one of us saying: Do
you choose to worship God in your own way, the way that you want by your preference as
opposed to the way God tells us to worship, the way God commands us to honor Him? If you do, if you choose your own way that
kind of worship is vain and useless. By contrast a true Christian will worship
God according to God’s instruction in His Word that’s found right here in His Bible. Not according to his own inclination not according
to his own imagination. Notice the importance: “Whatever I command
you, be careful to observe it; you shall not add to it nor take away from it.” (Deuteronomy 12:32) Let’s look at an example. Christ said, “Follow Me.” So we must follow the perfect example He set
for us. A true disciple must emulate the master and
teacher in every aspect of life. We’re supposed to become just like our Master
Jesus Christ. Do you know what was His practice to follow
when it came to worship? What was Jesus’ attitude and teaching about
the Sabbath day? Mark 2:28 says “Therefore the Son of Man
is also Lord of the Sabbath.” Jesus’ custom it was to attend worship on
the Sabbath (Luke 4:16). That was His regular practice. Christ powerfully declared His authority to
say how the Sabbath should be observed. Don’t let the significance of His statement
get away from you. Jesus Christ is the One who GAVE the law of
the Sabbath. He is the One who created the Sabbath day
by resting on it right there at the very beginning (Genesis 2:3). No wonder Jesus said “the Son of Man is
also Lord of the Sabbath.” It’s because “all things were made through
Him” (John 1:3). So Jesus set the example of Sabbath observance
and would never do away with something that He personally created for the benefit of every
human being. He said, “You are My disciples indeed, if
you abide in My word” (John 8:31). Do you abide in the Word? Are you a true disciple that follows the example
of the Savior by observing the Sabbath from sunset Friday to sunset Saturday? We know our actions are important to God. No wonder we’re told to follow Him by being
“doers of the word and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves” (James 1:22). Aren’t you tired of religion that just doesn’t
satisfy? Wouldn’t you like real meaning in your conviction? You can have it. Be a doer of the Words of Christ. Dedicate yourself to follow Him. Don’t be like those who ignore Jesus’
words when they don’t agree with them or because they think they’re not convenient. Christ warned that “narrow is the gate and
difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it” (Matthew
7:14). With God’s calling, with His care, you can
find it. Jesus said He is the way so decide to make
His way your way and become a true disciple. In the course of today’s program we’ve
examined what it really means to be a disciple of Jesus Christ. Aren’t you ready for that change? To help you understand much more about this
vital subject I’d like to send you a copy of our free Bible study aid: “Transforming
Your Life: The Process of Conversion.” This free, easy-to-read guide explains how
in the Bible, conversion is represented as a miraculous life-transforming process. A process that’s impossible without the
direct, active intervention, participation and power of God. Isn’t it time to let God lead your life
to a real transformation? Here’s how you can begin. Order your free copy of “Transforming Your
Life: The Process of Conversion” by calling us toll-free, 1-888-886-8632. That’s 1-888-886-8632. If a representative doesn’t answer your
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provoking Beyond Today magazine. It’s absolutely free of charge. Six times a year you’ll receive articles
on subjects that will help you build your relationship with God and change your life
for the better. Other fascinating articles will help you better
understand current events in the light of Bible prophecy. So call us right now, 1-888-886-8632. According to the Word of God many who claim
to be Christian do not measure up to Jesus’ definition of a true disciple. Be sure you’re not one of those. Remember the Bible emphasizes to strive daily
to live “by every word of God” (Luke 4:4). If I’m a true disciple I’m developing
an intimate relationship with God and choosing not to participate in empty and dead religion. True Christians’ standard of living is based
on the Word of God and Jesus’ example. It’s not based on the traditions of men,
denominational beliefs, or some counterfeit religious system. Being a disciple is more than just “believing
in Jesus” or “accepting Jesus in your heart.” True disciples are those who actively follow
and imitate Jesus. They’ve been baptized and received the Holy
Spirit. Being a true disciple is being led by God’s
Holy Spirit. Walking, living, and doing things as Jesus
did when He was on the earth. What a wonderful calling that God gives. Do you hear that call? If so, don’t hang up. Answer that call. Make the choice and allow Him to live His
life through you. It’s the only way to be a true disciple
of Jesus Christ. That’s our program for today. Thanks for joining me. Don’t forget our free offers and be sure
to tell your family and friends about Beyond Today. Tune in again next week and join us in praying,
“Thy Kingdom come.” For Beyond Today, I’m Steve Myers. Thanks for watching. [Narrator] For the free literature offered
on today’s program go online to beyondtoday.tv
